With Brownie
It’s warming up and snakes are again on the move, being seen more often in and around houses and bushland.
According to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, there are over 25 species of snakes are found in the local area.
The most commonly reported snakes are the harmless carpet python, common tree snake, and yellow-faced whip snake.
However, Australia has many of the world’s most venomous snakes and some of them may be found in and around Glasshouse Country and the Blackall Ranges, including the eastern brown, red-bellied black and rough scaled snakes.
Nowadays, snakes aren’t just bush creatures, can be found in many suburban backyards as well.
Of the dangerous snakes, the eastern brown snake is the most common.
Red- bellied black snakes are frog-eaters and have become rarer since the introduction of the poisonous cane toad.
Most victims of snakebites are those who have tried to kill or interfere with the animal.
Best advice from the experts is if you see a snake, leave it well alone, and walk the other way.
Snakes will move considerable distances in search of food, shelter and a mate.
Preventing them entering your yard may be difficult, so reducing the risk of a snake envounter is the best idea.
It’s a good idea to be familiar with snake bite first aid, including the proper use of compression bandages.
To reduce the chances of snake bite incidents:
• wear rubber boots to knee length in high risk areas;
• remove rubbish piles and sheets of tin providing shelter;
• think twice about keeping caged birds especially chickens close to the house. These attract rodents which in turn attract snakes;
• wear long trousers and protective footwear in long grass (gum-boots are best);
• carry a torch outside at night;
• wear thick gloves when gardening in high risk areas
• get to know what species of snakes are found in your area, that way you can tell the dangerous ones from the harmless from a safe distance.
Snakes are protected fauna under the Nature Conservation Act and cannot be taken from
the wild. Keeping a snake requires a licence from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
If you’re after a good resource, the book called ‘Snakes of the Sunshine Coast Region’ by Mike Donoan is a good one to have.
To read up on the local snakes, check the website https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/snakes/near-you/south-east-qld
If you have a snake that needs to be caught andremoved you’ll need to call a registered snake catcher.
There are a few around the coast, you’ll find then via google. Just make sure they have the proper government authorisations.
Main image: Brown Tree Snake
